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Paramedic Services

An integral component of the regional 911 system, Paramedics respond to victims of sudden illness or injury. Highly trained and skilled in the pre-hospital management of a wide spectrum of emergencies, Paramedics attempt to stabilize and render treatment to patients at the scene and on route to medical facilities.

Services

The care rendered by paramedics is often the deciding factor between life and death, temporary or permanent disability, a brief confinement or prolonged hospitalization for a patient.

Paramedics must be graduates of a two-year full-time Canadian Medical Association certified paramedic program offered by a recognized post-secondary institution such as St. Lawrence College, Cornwall Campus

Advanced Care Paramedics (ACP) require an additional year of training above that of a Primary Care Paramedic. With that training, ACPs have an additional medications and additional equipment to perform the following,

Intravenous and Intraoseos fluid administration

Chest needle thoracotomy

Administration of cardiac resuscitative medications

Administration of respiratory medications

Administration of anti-seizure medications

Use of pharmacological pain relief

Advanced respiratory resuscitation procedures such as intubation

Advanced trauma life support

Advanced cardiac life support procedures such as cardiac pacing, sychronized and chemical cardioversion

Community Paramedics

Through the Community Paramedic Program, specially trained Paramedics of Cornwall SD&G Paramedic Services provide at-home care to select residents in the community, with a focus on seniors and patients living with chronic conditions.

Community Paramedics use their training and assessment skills to monitor independence and overall health of residents and checking on things such as vitals and medication compliance for the goal of reducing hospital readmissions and transports to emergency departments.

Clients of the program are identified by EMS officials during regular 911 calls as well as through referrals from hospital discharge and medical doctors in the community.

The program is funded 100% through the LHIN and operates in partnership with Cornwall Community Hospital, Champlain LHIN Community Care Access Centre and other local health care organizations.

Flu Medics

During seasonal surge, Community Paramedicine enhances its services by offering an activated response for patients presenting with "Influenza-Like Illness" (ILI). This service is available to residents in Long-Term Care facilities and Retirement Homes throughout Cornwall and the Counties. This program is intended to reduce 911 calls for ambulance and use of hospital emergency and allow residents to be cared for in the comfort of their home.

Upon activation--not through 911--the "Flu Medic" arrives on scene to assess the patient, provide symptom relief if necessary, and offers treatment with anti-virals for confirmed cases. In addition to this intervening approach, the paramedic may also provide the influenza vaccine to high risk or vulnerable populations at the beginning of flu season for preventative measures.

Annual funding provided by the Champlain LHIN for surge capacity allows this program to be made available during Influenza's peak season (October - March). The hours of operation are 07:00-19:00.